HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-09-05 Agenda Packet - Board (7) Agenda Item # 4
o,- TRUCKEE DONNER
Public Utility District
Special Workshop
To: Board of Directors
From: Nancy Waters, Human Resources Administrator
Date: August 31, 2007
Subject: Draft Recruitment brochure from Ralph Andersen & Associates
WHY THIS MATTER IF BEFORE THE BOARD:
This matter is about the discussion of the draft profile of characteristics desired in a new
General Manager, review of the potential compensation description and discussion of a
time schedule through the hiring of a new District General Manager.
BACKGROUND
Ralph Andersen & Associates was hired by the Board of Directors to lead the search for a
new District General Manager. Mike Lawson from Ralph Andersen & Associates will be at
the meeting to review the latest draft copy of the recruitment brochure. Mike was present
at the August 15 board meeting when the Board asked that public comment remain open
until the September 5 meeting.
NEW INFORMATION
Attached please find a copy of the latest draft recruitment brochure and the brochure text.
RECOMMENDATION
This a workshop and has no recommendation.
Truckee-Donner Public Utility District
General Manager
The Community
The Truckee Donner Public Utility District (TDPUD) is located in Truckee, California, a
community that embodies all the best qualities of California's Sierra Mountains and the
Lake Tahoe region. Truckee is a historic community that embraces the charm of a smaller
community while maintaining an exceptional range of local services, and has easy access
to the broader amenities of city life only 33 miles away in Reno, Nevada or Sacramento,
California 100 miles "down the hill" on Interstate 80. As gateway to one of the worlds
most visited regions, Truckee is a tourism center, known for its restaurants, local shops,
and services that support the year round outdoor activities that are the heart of this
magnificent area. The Truckee community enjoys a true seasonal climate, with average
snowfall of about 200 inches and skiing at the famous ski resorts in the area, including
Squaw Valley, Northstar, and Alpine Meadows. Summers are dry with daytime
temperatures ranging between 70 and 80 degrees with cooler evenings. Hiking, camping,
fishing, golf, and biking are among the activities enjoyed by both the local community as
well at the visitors that come to take in the breathtaking beauty and spirit of this great
area.
Truckee enjoys a rich history in California and the West, having served as an important
gateway for the many settlers who traveled for new lives and fortunes in the 1800's.
Along with the recreational activities in the area, a visit to the community is also a
celebration of those who journeyed west. As such, the Truckee area has strived to
maintain a great balance with growth, recreation, tourism, and preservation of the natural
environment of the region.
The Truckee Donner Public Utility District Organization
The Truckee Donner Public Utility District (TDPUD) is governed by a five-member
Board of Directors elected at-large by the citizens of the District. Each year, the Board
elects a President and appoints other officers. The Board sets policy for the District,
provides direction for the implementation of its strategic plan, and adopts an annual
budget. The Board appoints the General Manager who serves as the senior executive for
the organization. The District has adopted an annual operating budget of$29 million and
has approved plans for capital expenditures in excess of $9.5 million. The District is in
excellent financial shape and has the resources to ensure long-term value and reliable
services to its customers.
The General Manager is responsible for implementing the policy decisions of the District
and for the management and coordination of the day-to-day operations. The exceptionally
strong senior management team consists of managers for the Electric Utility, Water
Utility, General Services, and Administrative Services Departments. An outstanding staff
Draft Text-General Manager profile- TDPUD, 8-31-07 1
of sixty-six District employees shares the commitment to quality and reliable services to
the community.
Utility Services
The District is responsible for delivering electricity and water to over 12,000 customers
located in several major developments including the 6,000 parcel Tahoe Donner
subdivision. Electricity is purchased through bilateral contracts for generation, and the
District is responsible for transmission and distribution to its local customers. The
District maintains its own water supply and provides for all phases of production,
treatment, storage, and delivery to homes and businesses in the area. The geography and
elevation change in the area add to the complexity of providing services in the area. The
District is developing other services, including a $25 million broadband project. The
District provides engineering review and inspection of utility services and is actively
involved in the planning for future growth needs and timely replacement of its utility
assets.
The District has taken a leadership role in conservation efforts and is working with the
community to identify and implement methods to achieve long range goals. Additionally
the District has made a strong commitment to renewable energy as well as to processes to
consider the environmental impact of its services and programs.
The Position
The General Manager, as the senior District executive, directs the management team,
manages the budget process and execution, and advises the Board of Directors in
technical and management aspects of utility services needed to meet the mission,
providing a reliable, high quality supply and distribution system for water and electricity
to meet both current and future needs.
The General Manager provides leadership in fulfilling the District's core operating
strategies, including:
• Managing the District in an open, customer-centered, manner.
• Managing the District in a responsible manner.
• Managing the District in an effective, efficient, and fiscally responsible manner.
As part of the budget process, District Departments identified several activities to support
these strategies such as:
• Continue strong financial performance to grow cash position.
• Refocus efforts to meet mandated residential water metering requirements.
• Continue to seek lower cost electricity power supply, consistent with District
priorities for increasing renewable power.
• Increase public outreach of the District's programs and activities.
Draft Text-General Manager profile- TDPUD, 8-31-07 2
The General Manager promotes conservation and renewable energy as cost-effective
resources and supports an ongoing effort to evaluate new technologies for
implementation in the District.
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will demonstrate a combination of skills, characteristics, intelligence,
curiosity, and experience indicating the strong potential to excel in the unique live, work,
and play environment of the Truckee Donner area. The successful candidate will be an
experienced utility executive with knowledge of electric and water operations, trends, and
issues. Their background will include knowledge and success in promoting conservation
and efforts to enhance the use of renewable sources of energy. The individual will have
an energetic and open style that promotes the goals of the District, enhances services
offered to the community, and continually strives for performance improvement. The
ideal candidate will be an excellent communicator and will possess strong administrative
abilities to manage and lead.
The ideal candidate will have a consistent professional career of accomplishments and be
recognized as having provided an organization with the following experience, qualities,
and attributes:
• Demonstrated successful history of managing utility services;
• Exceptional leadership skills characterized by building a strong organization and
exceeding expectations for service and performance;
• Experience that reflects skill in cultivating and fostering innovative ideas and
promoting a vision that can will result in the District serving as a model for
contemporary best practices as a public utility provider;
• Career record of inspiring staff to better serve the community and customers;
• Background that will build positive and cooperative relationships with local
business, government agencies, regional public utility organizations, and
regulatory agencies that support and interface with the District;
• Exceptional personnel and leadership skills to develop, coach, and inspire staff;
and the ability to establish and maintain effective relationships;
• Ongoing career successes in establishing an environment of trust and cohesive
relationships; and
• Proven commitment to renewable energy and conservation oriented policies.
A proven, effective communicator:
• Proactive, open, honest, and forthright in all communications;
• Demonstrated ability to write clearly and persuasively;
• Proven success in making powerful presentations and effective verbal arguments
as needed; and
Draft Text-General Manager profile- TDPUD, 8-31-07 3
• Exceptional skill in translating complex concepts and terminology into language
readily accessible and understood by the Board, customers, and the public at
large.
Exceptional managerial skills:
• Proven track record of identifying and evaluating specific community/customer
needs and the resources with which to address them;
• Successful results in managing capital projects and delivering results on time and
within budget;
• A style that motivates and empowers employees to achieve their highest potential,
a person who serves as an example by their own performance and record of
outstanding achievements;
• Exceptional contract negotiation and oversight skills;
• A thorough understanding and skill in financial management, public finance,
budgeting, and grant development ensuring sound operations and stewardship of
the District's resources;
• Effective decision-making, strong delegation, and consistent monitoring skills;
and
• A dedication to learning and continued participation in related professional
associations.
Education and Experience
A Bachelor's degree in engineering or other relevant technical field, or public
administration or a related field from an accredited college/university is required. A
Master's degree in engineering, public or business administration, or another relevant
technical field is highly desired. Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of
progressively responsible senior management level experience in a public agency
directing utility (preferably electricity and water) operations. Candidates with significant
background in utilities as senior managers, consultants, or contractors may be considered.
Knowledge of electric and water industry issues, trends, and regulations and their
application in a public utility is essential.
Candidates will be chosen upon the basis of knowledge, experience, education, and
demonstrated administrative abilities.
The Compensation
The salary range for the General Manager position is $147,430 - $179,192 annually.
Placement within the salary range will be based upon a candidate's salary history and
review of education, experience, and other qualifications. In addition, the following
benefit package is provided:
Draft Text-General Manager profile- TDPUD, 8-31-07 4
• Retirement: Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) —
(2% at 60) and participation in social security. A 457(b) or a 401(k) is available
with a District match up to 3%.
• Vehicle: Provided by the District.
• Paid Time Off: A competitive level of paid time off(vacation, holiday, sick, and
educational) will be negotiated with the successful candidate.
• Medical Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision care insurance premiums for
both employee and eligible dependents paid by the District.
• Life Insurance: Three times the annual salary.
• Long Term Disability: Covered under Long Term Disability Insurance.
• Relocation: Reasonable relocation expenses will be reimbursed.
To Be Considered
Interested candidates can apply on-line at www.ralphandersen.com using the Resume
SubmittalTM feature. Submit a cover letter detailing your interest in the position and why
you believe you would succeed in it; a resume outlining your work history and
accomplishments; current salary; and six work-related references (two supervisors, two
peers, and two direct reports) to:
Ralph Andersen & Associates
5800 Stanford Ranch Road, Suite 410
Rocklin, California 95765
Fax: 916/630-4911
Email: apply@ralphandersen.com
Closing date is October 3, 2007. References will not be contacted until mutual interest
has been established.
Ralph Andersen & Associates will conduct initial screening of candidates and review the
entire candidate pool with the Truckee Donner Public Utility District Board of Directors
to determine candidates who will be invited to continue on in the process. Preliminary
interviews with Ralph Andersen & Associates will begin in early September. Selected
candidates will be invited to participate in an on-site interview with the District Board in
early October. Ideally, the General Manager will join the staff of the Truckee Donner
Public Utility District in November 2007.
If you have questions or would like to discuss this opportunity further, please call Mike
Lawson at (916) 630-4900. For more information about the Truckee Donner Public
Utility District, please visit their website at www.tdpud.org.
Draft Text-General Manager profile- TDPUD, 8-31-07 5